1. Compare the size of bubbles2. Compare shapes and colors of bubbles3. Learn about surface tension4. Learn that water evaporates very rapidly5. Learn that all liquids form bubbles but their life span is short6. Learn that soap breaks the surface tension

Materials needed per class:

Bubble solution - 1 cup dishwashing liquid, 1 gallon of water, 1/4 cup glycerinBubble solution must be made at least eight hours before using and should be refrigerated.

This activity will be used with forth graders, but can be up graded to a higher level. This activity will introduce students to some of the properties of bubble making substances. The student will observe how soap affects the surface tension of water. Give each student an eyedropper and a penny. Ask them to predict how many drops of water will fit on the penny without spilling. Distribute dishes of water and have the student find out if the water will spill off the penny. After the students have a chance to observe the surface tension of the water on a penny, ask them to put drops of water on a penny again, then break the surface tension of the water on the penny by adding a drop of soap solution.

This activity presents a plan for varying the amount of glycerin while keeping the amount of water and dishwashing liquid the same.Formula one = 0 dropsFormula two = 10 dropsFormula three = 20 dropsFormula four = 30 dropsFormula five = 40 drops Formula six = 50 dropsFormula seven = 60 dropsFormula eight = 70 dropsAsk the student if they have any expectations about the experiments. How much glycerin will make the largest bubble?

The student will be given 12 soda straws and 24 paperclips to construct the geometric figure of a cube. This will be used to create the square bubble. Connect all of the straws with the paperclips. After the cube is assembled, dip the cube into formula 8 above. All sides must be submerged, the room must be free from drafts and the temperature must be about 70oF in order to be successful in bubble making.

The next experiment demonstrates that soap bubbles will float on a cushion of carbon dioxide. Place some dry ice flat on the bottom of an aquarium. Allow a few minutes for a layer of carbon dioxide gas to accumulate. Blow bubbles so that they float down into the aquarium. The bubbles will descend and then float over the denser layer of carbon dioxide gas. These are the things to observe. Bubbles will freeze on the dry ice. The bubbles will have various color bands. The bubbles will float. The bubbles will dance.

Performance Assessment:

Budapest Bob, the bubble archaeologist is trying to find the giant rainbow bubble that contains the map to a treasure. In order to achieve this task, you must help him to find the map by going through a maze and completing each task.

These are the obstacles that he will encounter on the way:

1. What substance does he use to make the largest bubble in order to get him over the dangerous animals?

2. What substance does he need for the strongest bubble in order to escape the dragonfly?

A wizard blocks the path of Budapest Bob. In order to pass, he must answer the following questions:

A. How many colors will be seen in a bubble?B. What order are the colors?C. When handed several types of milk, what milk should he use for the strongest bubbles?

He now is near the end. He sees the large rainbow pointing toward the giant square bubble. He also encounters a robot that is blocking the path that will lead him to the treasure. You create a square bubble that will help Budapest Bob escape to safety.